🌙 When Does Ramadan Start? Why It Changes Every Year

Understand how the Islamic lunar calendar works and why Ramadan doesn't start on the same day every year.

🌙 The Lunar Calendar

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon (hilal). Unlike the solar Gregorian calendar, the lunar year consists of about 354 or 355 days. As a result, Islamic months rotate through the seasons, and Ramadan moves approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year according to the solar calendar.

🌙 Why Ramadan's Start Date Moves

Because of the shorter lunar year, Ramadan is not fixed to a particular season. Over decades, Ramadan cycles through winter, spring, summer, and fall. This gradual shift creates diverse experiences for Muslims around the world: sometimes fasting in long summer days, and other times during shorter winter days. This variation is part of the beauty and test of Ramadan.

🌙 Moon Sighting vs Astronomical Calculations

Traditionally, Ramadan begins with the physical sighting of the crescent moon. Some communities prefer actual sighting (ru'yah), while others rely on astronomical calculations (hisab) for practicality and certainty. This difference can occasionally result in a one-day variation in starting dates between countries or even within the same country.

🌙 The Spiritual Significance of Ramadan's Start

The arrival of Ramadan is not just a calendar event; it carries immense spiritual weight. Muslims welcome Ramadan as a guest of honor, a chance for renewal, mercy, and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ️ would prepare months in advance for its arrival, emphasizing its significance. The sighting of the new moon signals not only a shift in routine but a shift in heart and focus towards Allah 🙏.

🌙 How to Stay Updated

Stay connected to local mosques and Islamic centers for official announcements. You can also use modern tools like our Islamic Calendar and Hijri Converter to estimate important dates ahead of time.

🌙 FAQ: Why Do Muslims Sometimes Start on Different Days?

Local differences in moon sighting conditions, methods, and scholarly opinions can cause variation. Some scholars allow following a global sighting, while others insist on local visibility. Either way, unity and respect within the Ummah are prioritized, and differences are accepted as a mercy, not a division.

✨ Explore more Islamic resources: Tools, Calendar, and Athkar.

← Back to Blog